Teachers are Miracle Workers, Difference Makers, and Life Changers

 

I LOVED school. It was my happy place. I have some of the best memories of my teachers, learning, and experiences. 

My relationship began in 2nd grade...Mrs. Bailey. She ran this contest where the top readers got to go her house for dinner. In 2nd grade I didn't win, but I had the chance again when she was my third grade teacher. I inhaled books and was a winner. Going to her house was a dream. I remember imagining what it must be like to live there with her. How perfect her life must have been. 4th grade..Mrs. Bruder and our Blue Jay Clubhouse. She taught us sign language, let us have a school sleepover, and let us have these parent performances. She really made us feel listened to and believed in. 6th grade.. Mrs. Grace. She was so kooky, but her heart was HUGE. We would make banners for the Indiana Hoosiers, listen to Jackson 5, and adopted a man in Indiana with a brain tumor. Finally, Mrs. Johnson in high school. She was honest, direct, and had a way of teaching life lessons. These teachers taught me academic skills, but also more...They are stamped on my heart for life. 

Mrs. Bailey..self confidence

Mrs. Bruder...creativity

Mrs. Grace..compassion

Mrs. Johnson..courage

Fast forward 20+ years and I am working in the place I fell in love with...SCHOOL

I am surrounded by miracle workers, difference makers, and life changers every single day.

It makes my heart full..so full it probably explodes on the daily.

I witness the other side. As a student I loved school, learning, teaching. As a professional I witness the teachers who love their students, teaching, and still learning.

Teachers give. They give their entire being Every. Single. Day. They show up. They show up with commitment, courage, and love.

Honestly, I do not know how they are doing it right now.

This is hard. So hard. 

Tears, fear, long hours, stretching thin, anger, frustration, pushed beyond limits.

Still, they show up.

They give their all.

They love with their whole heart.

They smile.

And I do not know how they do it. 

And every day I fall in love all over again. I observe. I listen. I absorb. 

These teachers continue to teach me...

Kinder Team: Gentleness

1st Grade: Organization

2nd Grade: Compassion

3rd Grade: Determination

4th Grade: Dedication

5th Grade: Grit

AMP: Creativity

Service Providers: Flexibility

The Entire Team: Love, Compassion, Selflessness..

I fall in love again and again. Grateful I work in a place that saves kiddos, that changes the course of lives, and is a safe space. 

A happy place.